The epilepsies are a family of disorders characterized by the occurrence of spontaneous, unpredictable seizures. Seizures interfere with daily life, can be dangerous (e.g, upon driving or falling), and lead to death of some brain cells. Epilepsy is common, influencing ~1.5% of the population, and thus affecting over 2 million individuals of all ages in the U.S. alone (and at least 50 million worldwide). While much information is available about the abnormal excitatory and inhibitory communication of neuronal networks in Epilepsy, the basic mechanisms, involving both genetic and acquired elements, are not fully understood.
Stated simply: we cannot predict who will get epilepsy or the timing of individual seizures, we cannot prevent the disorder, and we can only rarely cure some epilepsies.
The complexity of Epilepsy requires that we study it using many approaches:
| In order to understand the abnormal function of some brain cells in epilepsy, we need to understand the normal function and means of communication of neurons. |
| In order to prevent some severe seizures from killing certain brain cells, we need to understand how this process occurs. |
| In order to prevent seizures, we need to understand the changes in brain cells (and in their communication with one another) which predispose or lead to seizures. |
| We wish to know how some gene alterations or acquired events (trauma, long febrile seizures) might promote epilepsy. |
| We need to visualize the changes which seizures and epilepsies cause to the brain. |
Better understanding of these issues, and many others, should ultimately lead to clues, in the form of molecules and mechanisms, which can be targeted for the creation of effective cures for this disorder.
For further information on the epilepsies, resources for affected individuals and referral to expert Doctors for children or adults click on the highlighted words.